This takes the place of Update 3, and will get an Update 4 together as made one modification.
The company sent me a new exact replacement. On the new one did add rubber gasket material to where I think one of the entry points for water could be. This probably makes the warranty (if any) on the replacement unit invalid, but would rather not replace it yet again.
If, for some reason, need to replace it, will go with an internal unit... No more of this external madness.
So, all in all, am happy so far with the unit, wanted to get an update out lest forget again.
Original Post
First Followup